When Hilary Kenyon was a senior in high school in Maryland, she had as a requirement for graduation an assignment to design a portfolio of her high school career.  Of course, she had a lot of Destination ImagiNation memories in her portfolio; she participated in creative problem solving for many years and with 12 different teams.  What impressed her mother, Lauree, and those of us at Destination ImagiNation, is the undeniable thread of creative problem solving that ran through her “mission statement:”

I shall always strive for the best, and never settle for anything less.
Never conform, or try to fit in, I will stand out and never in.
Always thinking outside the box, even if it's putting on my socks.

I will never change myself for no one at all, not even a college hunk that's very tall.
Always keep my passion alive, in my work and my strive.
I will keep on going above and beyond, nothing less like James Bond.
My life I will live doing what I love, never settling for regular love.

I shall go on being an individual, staying corky and privileged.
Never will I settle for less, in my life, love or even for a dress.

Characteristics I will gain, such as bravery, confidence, and an intelligent brain.
I look forward to what will come, in my life and in flavors of gum.

At the end of her portfolio is a picture of a bottle of ink and an ink pen with this saying....

“Life is like a canvas...
you can create the choices to make it amazing"

Hilary says, "My favorite DI experience has been being able to participate in this program for 12 years. The skills and friendships are what I cherish and value the most. Being involved in creative problem solving has taught me cooperation, trust, quick thinking, and respect for others. The friendship that has grown over the past four to seven years with my current teammates is what I absolutely love the most! The strong bonds we have made as a team is what makes us all tick like a well-oiled machine."

"DI has molded me into the person I am today! Without it I would not have such a passionate drive in my work, trust in my friends, and a creative sense that is second nature to me. When I am given assignments I go the extra mile and challenge myself to create what no one will expect.

After this year, I plan to participate in the DI Alumni group and give back to creative problem solving programs as much as they did for me. "

Hilary's goal in life is to become an animator for Disney. With her creative mind and artistic ability she is well on her way of accomplishing her goal.  We wished Hilary Graduation Congratulations in 2005 and will look forward to hearing about her future success.